PTI seeks to snub talk of talks with govt

Express Tribune

4 days ago

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) central information secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram on Wednesday dismissed reports of ongoing negotiations with the government, saying dialogue "does not work like this".
Addressing a news conference, the party's central information secretary clarified that PTI founding chairman Imran Khan has denied initiating talks.
"You can't drive daggers of hatred into someone's chest and still expect goodwill in return," he added.
He further clarified that the negotiation committee had been constituted by Imran himself and that his participation was at his direction. "No one can claim we didn't sit with them, we did so only on the founder's instructions."
Criticising the "rigged" political landscape shaped by the February 9 polls, Akram asserted that the "Form-47 government" must stop its "campaign of cruelty and repression" against political opponents.
Taking a jibe at the judiciary amid PTI's legal woes, he alleged that verdicts could now be predicted based on the composition of the bench.
"Our lawyers already inform us what the judgment will be, the system stands naked," he said.
Vowing to resist until the very end, he said the PTI will fight "till the last ball". "The world is watching. We will not surrender. We will not concede defeat."
Waqas also demanded the repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, calling it detrimental to the country. "It has caused irreparable harm, everything is being dismantled."
Commenting on the Al-Qadir Trust case, he reiterated that no financial benefit had accrued to either the PTI founder or his spouse, Bushra Bibi. "The whole world knows he is not corrupt. Pakistan has been turned into a joke."
"He is not even allowed to speak to his children or meet his sisters. Books are not being permitted. This government is haunted by his presence," the PTI leader said, calling it a "regime of paranoia".
He alleged that the Punjab Police was blocking political leaders from meeting Imran and that surveillance cameras had been installed, "noting every move".
"We are demanding the rule of law and constitutional supremacy. This path of tyranny must end."
He also rubbished all speculation of a backdoor arrangement. "The PTI founder does not want a deal. He said ten months ago he would rather spend his life in jail than enter a compromise."
"He has not bowed and will not bow. Even Rana Sanaullah admitted this publicly."
Citing an example, he said a young man named Raza Ali, imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail for two years, had recently been granted bail by the Supreme Court. "His ailing grandmother repeatedly told the court her grandson was innocent."
"The person he was accused of injuring wasn't even on the list of the wounded," he said. "This child spent two years behind bars for no reason."
He said the party's legal team would soon present detailed information about all such unjustly imprisoned individuals. "The Supreme Court must ensure its judgments are implemented."